Converting a pair of vintage screw-back earrings to post or dangle earrings is a wonderful way to bring a sparkly classic into modern times.
Leave a message on this post and you can win these delightful earrings! Drawing will be held on November 28.
STEP 1 - Find a pair of screw-back earrings that have the metal loop on the "top" part of the earrings. Generally these are post-style earrings and not dangling ones. This photo shows the kind of earrings you'll need to work with. Ask your Gramma or go to an antique store to pick up a pair.
STEP 2 - Cut the screw-back off the earring with wire clippers. I always wear safety goggles when clipping because these old, brittle pieces fly all over the place. Be careful to just cut off the screw part because you're going to need the metal loop piece.
STEP 3 - Sand down the metal loop where you just made your cut. Generally this cut will be pointy and sharp. I use a little sanding block, but any kind of sandpaper will work. This is for your own safety!
STEP 4 - Using a round-nosed pliers, bend the metal loop to create a small full-circle loop. Again, this metal is brittle so you won't have the opportunity to bend and re-bend this many times. The metal finish will flake off, or worse, it will break.
STEP 5 - Choose your new earring base. This can be a post or a dangle-style. There are lots to choose from.
STEP 6 - Use a jump ring to connect the earring and your base. You'll ned this to ensure the earring is hanging in the right direction.
You're done! Again, I'm giving away these beauties to one lucky reader on November 28. Just leave a message on this post to be qualified. Cheers!
Hi Sara,
Great, clear instructions and photography.
Thanks for sharing.
Kim Spooner
Cisray Designs
Posted by: kim spooner | November 21, 2008 at 08:48
Hi Sara,
What a wonderful blog. I can really sense your excitement, which is contagious! Beautiful clear instructions and photographs. Stop by my blog, I am having a giveaway and a Christmas Fair on my blog. I must heart you on Etsy.
Karen
Posted by: karen | November 21, 2008 at 11:28
I saw on Craftster that you are giving away these beauties! I love them!!!! I hope this gets me entered in the drawing!
Lisa
(Elby on Craftster)
Posted by: Lisa | November 21, 2008 at 15:21
what a clever idea, this would be great for christmas gifts for the girls.
so glad i found your blog!
melissa
http://albertaalberta.blogspot.com/
albertaalberta.etsy.com
Posted by: melissa | November 21, 2008 at 15:40
those are so cute! just yesterday i was trying to think of ways to convert some old earrings i have, so perfect timing! ;)
Posted by: amanda | November 21, 2008 at 15:45
THANK YOU! I have a fabulous pair of earrings (and lovely matching pendant) that belonged to my grandmother and I really want to convert them. Now I can!
Posted by: Karen | November 21, 2008 at 15:58
Absolutely Gorgeous...just stunning!!! Thank you!!
Posted by: Victoria | November 21, 2008 at 16:12
What a concise and time-appropriate jewelry conversion. These earrings are so festive ... I have collected a few pieces that will definitely benefit (me) from this process.
Mele Kalikimaka
and
Haouli Makahiki Hou
Posted by: Kymberly Pray | November 21, 2008 at 16:45
What a concise and time-appropriate conversion ... so festive.
I have collected a few pieces that will benefit (me) from this process.
Thank you saving my ears pain (how did women do it?) and assisting me in the rescue of classic jewelry.
Mele Kalikimaka
and
Hauoli Makahiki Hou
Posted by: Kymberly Pray | November 21, 2008 at 16:58
Ok...I am off to scrounge through my jewelry as soon as I am done with this comment. Thanks for the generous directions. Easy to follow and the photos are terrific! Lisa (who would love to be entered for these lovelies!) Thanks.
Posted by: studio sister lisa | November 21, 2008 at 17:32
So gorgeous and festive. I would have never thought of that!
Posted by: Mel | November 23, 2008 at 16:44
Great instructions! And beautiful earrings!
Posted by: Jen | November 23, 2008 at 17:54
Great instructions! The earrings are beautiful...who wouldn't want to sport these gems during the holidays?
Ainse
www.kaskaad.etsy.com
Posted by: Ainse | November 23, 2008 at 18:04
Thanks for sharing! I don't know anything about re-styling jewelry.
I saw your post on etsy... :)
Posted by: Leigh S | November 23, 2008 at 18:25
that is cool! I like the photos and the how-to instructions - I've always wondered how to do this... thank you!
Posted by: Julia | November 23, 2008 at 18:28
This is such a great idea, and they look lovely :)
Posted by: Rachel | November 23, 2008 at 18:34
Wow - what a great idea - makes me want to go and raid my mom's jewelry box. She's got ton's of earrings that look like that!!!
Great tutorial!!!
http://www.workofheart.etsy.com
http://cleopatras-closet.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Cleo | November 23, 2008 at 18:35
Looks like great jewelry!
Posted by: Brian L. | November 23, 2008 at 18:57
WoW. That is GREAT directions. Photos were clear and so w the steps to take. I understood what I had to do and why. THANK YOU. Truely thank you for sharing.
Now if I can win that would be great. If not, then I will have to make my own. Very-very carefully.
You are very kind to share how to make these earrings.
It helps us all to be more green - reuse old earrings.
Posted by: Theresa Shafer | November 23, 2008 at 18:57
the older the better
Posted by: susan varney | November 23, 2008 at 19:15
enter me
Posted by: Jennifer hedden | November 23, 2008 at 19:20
i really like them count me in please
Posted by: Tonya Froemel | November 23, 2008 at 19:21
What a cool idea, I am going to have raid my Mom's jewelry box
Posted by: Jo | November 23, 2008 at 19:23
Theresa, I agree -- these are so eco, but still fabulous! Thanks for posting...grazie! Sara
Posted by: Sara - TwinkleStudio | November 23, 2008 at 19:26
Thanks for the instructions!
Posted by: Patty | November 23, 2008 at 19:40